Viacom makes big BET changes

BET Networks in the US is revamping its schedule for the coming year, taking two shows from Viacom stablemate VH1 and ordering new comedy, late-night and miniseries content.

BET, which was unveiled as one of Viacom’s six core brands earlier this year, has handed a straight-to-series order to comedy Divorce Saved My Marriage.

The 10×30′ show is from executive producer Kevin Hart and is based on a stand-up routine by David A. Arnold about a couple working together to finalise their divorce.

BET has also ordered late-night talker The Rundown with Robin Thede, from US prodco Jax Media, as well as Mancave, which sees five men talking honestly about an array of topics and is from US duo Truly Original and East 112th Street Productions.

Sketch show 50 Central is also on the slate, hosted by rapper Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, while VH1 shows The Breaks and Hit the Floor have been picked up for second and fourth runs respectively.

BET has also extended education drama The Quad into a second season and ordered a four-hour biopic on singer-songwriter Bobby Brown from Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The new line-up is part of Viacom’s efforts to revitalise its networks following the appointment of president and CEO Bob Bakish.

BET, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr and Comedy Central have been chosen as Viacom’s “flagship” brands along with Spike, which is being rebranded as The Paramount Network.

As part of the changes, BET is rebranding its Centric network, which will be known as Bet Her and will focus on travel, music and lifestyle shows.